Bar-Ilan Professor Indicted for Plotting Mass Expulsion of Arab Israelis

Key points

• The defendant, a mathematics lecturer in his 60s at Bar-Ilan University, was indicted in the Central District Court in Lod for planning mass terror attacks against Arab Israelis and Palestinians.
• The plan, named 'Ayit' (meaning 'The people will carry out transfer'), envisioned 72 Jewish attackers divided into 12 cells of six, using firearms, axes, and hammers to strike mixed cities and Arab communities simultaneously.
• The goal was to cause 600 to 700 deaths and force the permanent expulsion of Arab citizens and West Bank Palestinians to Jordan, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip.
• The suspect attempted to recruit Zehut chairman Moshe Feiglin to help recruit operatives but was ignored; he later sent extortion letters to Feiglin, threatening to release damaging information if Feiglin did not cooperate.
• Bar-Ilan University suspended the lecturer with immediate effect and condemned the alleged plot, stating it has zero tolerance for such conduct.
• The suspect was arrested on September 17, 2026, after developing the plan from February 2023, fueled by the 2021 riots and the Israel-Hamas War.

Background

This case highlights ongoing tensions in Israel regarding the status of Arab citizens and Palestinians, particularly in the context of recent conflicts and political polarization. The plot’s ideological basis, rooted in nationalist ideology and the desire for forced transfer, echoes historical and contemporary debates over demographic change in Israel and the occupied territories. The involvement of a prominent academic and the attempt to recruit a high-profile political figure underscore the potential for radicalization within certain segments of Israeli society. The case also intersects with broader discussions on security, counterterrorism, and the role of institutions like universities in addressing extremist ideologies.

How outlets are covering it

The Jerusalem Post and Israel Hayom both report the indictment with similar details, but Israel Hayom provides more specific information on the suspect’s attempts to recruit Feiglin, including the use of a former romantic partner to deliver the extortion letter and the specific locations of Feiglin’s events (Ashdod and Givat Shmuel). The Jerusalem Post emphasizes the ideological motivation and the university’s response, while Israel Hayom focuses on the operational details of the plot and the suspect’s counter-surveillance measures. Both outlets agree on the severity of the charges and the university’s condemnation, but Israel Hayom offers a more granular account of the recruitment efforts and the suspect’s methods of concealment.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about the potential for domestic terrorism in Israel, particularly among segments of the population motivated by nationalist ideology. The involvement of a university lecturer and the attempt to recruit a prominent political figure highlight the risks of radicalization within academic and political circles. The plot’s goal of forced mass expulsion echoes historical and contemporary debates over demographic change in Israel and the occupied territories, raising questions about the security and rights of Arab citizens and Palestinians. The case also underscores the importance of counterterrorism efforts and the role of institutions like universities in addressing extremist ideologies. The potential for violence and mass expulsion could have significant implications for Israel’s stability and international standing.

What to watch

The suspect will remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings. The case will likely proceed to trial, where the evidence of the plot, including the 20-page manifesto and the reconnaissance tours, will be examined. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for counterterrorism efforts in Israel and for the status of Arab citizens and Palestinians. The case may also lead to increased scrutiny of academic and political institutions for potential extremist activities. The response of Bar-Ilan University and other institutions will be closely watched as a measure of their commitment to addressing extremist ideologies.